I am so angry

Joan Dehle

Intelligent and educated Citizens of Launceston are entitled to be heard without prejudice and answered with respect. Instead, we were virtually gagged.

To the Editor

At a recent (Launceston city) council meeting (28 August) it was apparent that the democratic rights of ordinary people have suffered serious erosion in favour of Big Business, Manipulation and Money. Many people have legitimate concerns regarding the mooted pulp mill. They have a right to be heard and treated with dignity. This was not so!

1. The 30 minutes allocated to questions was too short, denying many people the opportunity to speak. This is SHAMEFUL!

2. Rebuttal and discussion were not allowed. This is UNFAIR!

3. People with legitimate concerns were cut short or dismissed. This is DISCOURTEOUS!

4. Our part-time Mayor had not done his reading. This is DISGRACEFUL!

5. Answers to some questions were hidden behind ‘World’s Best Practice’. This is a COP-OUT!

6. Too many questions were placed ‘on advice’. This is INCOMPETENCE!

7. A questioner was cut short in giving his credentials. This is RUDENESS!

8. The attitude of ‘authority’ towards ‘peons’ was condescending. This is DISDAIN!

9. Many answers were unheard due to the lack of a microphone. This is NEGLECT!

Intelligent and educated Citizens of Launceston are entitled to be heard without prejudice and answered with respect. Instead, we were virtually gagged.

I am still angry!

Joan Dehle
Underwood